This upcoming winter, the Wakefield swim and dive team is ready to compete and win big. However, these victories aren’t just from countless laps in the pool or hours of training on the board—they are also about practicing mental techniques and focus. Both swimming and diving demand not only physical strength but also mental resilience. From practicing positive mindsets to employing self-confidence techniques, these Wakefield athletes focus on their minds just as much as their bodies.

Divers and swimmers alike are under great pressure to perform well. They compete in a solo sport where all the responsibility falls on them. Freshman John Webb competes as both a swimmer and a diver. Webb stresses the importance of self-confidence and optimism and how they positively affect his performance. 

“I’ve learned that if you go into swimming with a good and strong mindset you will perform better,” Webb said. “I try to focus on things that I can do instead of things I won’t be able to do.”

Wakefield’s head swim coach, Courtney Wainio, fosters a supportive environment, which is crucial to each athlete’s success. The encouragement from teammates largely contributes to an athlete’s mentality and focus during meets and practices. Wainio explains the interconnectedness of the swim and dive team. 

“Even though [swimming is] an individual sport, a lot of [the team] rallies behind each other,” Wainio said. “Everyone is connected and they support each other through that process.”

One of the six senior swim captains, Samantha Kuhlemeier, works to trust in her technique, ensuring a strong swim performance. She also practices a clean mindset before and during her swimming. 

“I have to remember that I am trained for [the swim meet], I’m doing my best and that’s all that matters,” Kuhlemeier said. “I have a team that supports me and I’ve [worked hard] to get [to] where I am.”

Having a sturdy mindset is another contribution to a swimmer’s success. Freshman and swimmer, Jack Caulway, also tries to keep positive thoughts during meets; these thoughts often make up his actions in the pool. He emphasizes the significance of mental toughness in performance. 

“I think swimming is more of a mental sport than it is physical,” Caulway said. “I know guys that I am much stronger than, but they are much faster than me and it’s simply because they are mentally tougher than I am.”

The overall positive atmosphere of the Wakefield swim and dive team is a great starting place for athletes to discover a tough mindset. With the constant support of teammates, these swimmers and divers are able to succeed. 

“We have a chant we do right before the races start, which hypes everyone up,” Kuhlemeier said. “We compete individually, but it’s nice to know that we’re all together [to] and cheer each other on.”